Louisiana Severe Weather Threat Returns for Wednesday

Storm-weary residents of Lafayette, Lake Charles, Henderson, Eunice, and other communities scattered about the region braced for another round of strong and severe storms on Tuesday. As luck would have it, despite the fact the forecast called for minimal rain chances, Mother Nature had a different plan. And is usually the case, Mother Nature rules when it comes to what's going on outside.

Shortly after noon, an area of strong storms began to develop over southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas. This line of storms rapidly strengthened and moved eastward. For a time much of the area was under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch. That watch was upgraded to a warning for several of the larger storms as they rumbled through.

The torrential downpours associated with these storms flooded underpasses in the city of Lafayette and also closed some rural roads in surrounding communities. After a few hours, the rain subsided and so did the flood water. Unfortunately, we are poised to see similar circumstances across much of the I-10 corridor today. However, the speculation from the Storm Prediction Center suggests more storms for Central and North Louisiana.

The graphic above from the SPC shows the northwestern half of Louisiana is under a marginal threat of severe storms today. The remaining portion of the state is at risk for thunderstorms but the forecast suggests the stronger storms should stay north and west of a line from Lake Charles, Louisiana to Woodville, Mississippi.

The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Lake Charles is calling for minimal (20%) rain chances for the I-10 corridor today and early this evening. The best chance of showers will be in the afternoon and early evening hours. However, there is a better threat of more showers coming during the day on Thursday and Friday.

And while we can't rule out the potential for strong storms and severe weather we will note that the Storm Prediction Center does not have Louisiana included in its hazard forecast for Thursday, at least not yet.

The above-average rainfall threat should remain in the area through at least Saturday. Again the best chance for thunderstorms to develop will be during the afternoon and early evening hours. Afternoon temperatures should be seasonable for late May and early June with afternoon highs near 90 degrees, maybe a degree or two cooler, through the weekend.